Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
Growing Faith
Shield
Part 12 of 16
Ephesians 6:14-18
By J.D. Griffith
Vs 16: “In addition to all this, take the shield of faith, with which
you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Jeremy
took the booklet Pastor Ron had given him straight up to his room.
Michael had begun a new regimen at home, watching protectively over his
little brother. He followed Jeremy up the steps, making sure he wouldn’t
fall. “Watchadoin Jerm?”
“Going to read this. It must be pretty important, if Pastor Ron came all the
way to give it to me.” After he kerplunked into the chair, he raised his
right leg onto the foot rest. Sighing, he waved the booklet in front of
Michael. “It is entitled, ‘God’s Armor.’ Ever read it?”
Intrigued, Michael sat across from Jeremy on the bottom bunk. “Nope. Why
don’t you enlighten your older brother?”
Are you being sarcastic?” Jeremy said, looking unsure. “I haven’t
enlightened you since I plugged in the radio as you walked across the wet
floor.” He giggled.
“You shocked me, Jeremy! I wouldn’t call that enlightenment!” Michael said.
“No, I’m serious. Pastor Ron brought it especially for your safety. Safety
from what?”
“God’s armor is for outfitting a soldier. God wants us to stand firm in the
face of troubles. Trouble is usually the devil. We’re to plant our feet on a
firm foundation of faith in Jesus Christ” Jeremy read aloud. “The armor is
comprised of weapons God gives us to fight the battle against the prince of
darkness.” Let me see here:
“A helmet to protect our minds, a breastplate to cover our hearts, special
shoes to help us stand firm.” Jeremy stopped reading.
“Yeah, that was Pastor’s point.” Michael interjected, nodding.
Jeremy squinted, thinking. Then he continued, “A belt of God’s truth to
encircle us, the mighty sword of the spirit, and the protective shield of
faith.
Satan sends flaming arrows our way. We face temptation, doubt, and anxieties
as the devil hopes at least one of the arrows land in a vulnerable soft
spot. As long as we hold the shield upright, Satan’s arrows cannot
penetrate. But if we lower the shield,…”
“then Satan’s attack succeeds. I get it!” Michael practically yelled. “God
gives us all we need to win this battle! How cool, Jeremy!”
“There’s more, Mike. You can help me with this next part.” Jeremy looked up,
hopeful.
“Tell me” Michael said. “If you’re in trouble, then I’m in trouble. I will
do anything to keep you safe.”
“We stand together holding our shields side by side” Jeremy said. “With our
shields touching, shoulder to shoulder, we act as one. We even kneel as one,
holding the shields over our heads. Nothing can pierce our defense.”
Michael grew quiet. After a moment, he said, “We’re brother warriors,
Jeremy! You can count on me!”
Take Home Nugget
Did Jeremy and Michael know that God has already secured their victory
through His Son, Jesus Christ? He’s canceled sin’s power over them and gave
them His armor to wear. Their part is believing that God’s power over the
evil one is sufficient. If they keep their faith shields in good order,
Michael and Jeremy will emerge from their battles victorious.
It is God’s will that we emerge from our battles victorious.
Faith polishes and sustains our shields.
When held high and steady, evil's protection it wields.
J.D. Griffith
